X-Message-Number: 1325
From: 
Subject: CRYONICS Alcor Zoning Hearing
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 92 00:44:38 PDT

To: Cryonet
From: Carlos Mondragon
> Subject: Alcor's Zoning

     After four long years, Alcor's zoning status in the City of Riverside 
has finally been resolved.  In the aftermath of the Dora Kent incident, 
the City had told us that we were required to obtain a "conditional use 
permit" -- otherwise known as a zoning variance.  Our application was 
nearing completion in 1988 when we became embroiled in litigation with the 
State Health Department over the very legality of cryonics itself.

     The City deferred consideration of the zoning matter until after our 
litigation with the State was resolved.  Today (Oct 27) the City Council 
held a public hearing and made its decision.

     We had been somewhat apprehensive about the outcome, because the 
councilwoman representing our district had at a hearing last month 
indicated vehement opposition to our being here.  After meeting with me 
and our lobbyist and touring our facility last week, she had a nearly 
complete change of heart.  At today's hearing, she spoke in our favor and 
complimented us on "having thought of everything" in terms of the safety 
of our operation.
     
     The main issue of concern for Ms. Thompson and at least two other 
council members was the use of animals for research.  "I don't care what 
they do to people, but I don't want any animals to be hurt", Ms. Thompson 
said.  Others concurred.

     One elderly gentleman who is apparently a regular at Council hearings 
objected to us, as well as everything else on the day's agenda.  He 
complained that instances such as Dora Kent might create liability for the 
City.  (I diplomatically did not point out that the County of Riverside 
had paid out $120K to Alcor members in settlement of lawsuits already.)  
The City Attorney and I pointed out to the Council that there was no 
foreseeable liability to the City in allowing us to occupy our present 
location.

     So, the good news is that they voted six in favor and two opposed in 
favor of our conditional use permit.  The bad news is that they added a 
condition prohibiting our use of animals for research!  We now have 90 
days in which to be in full compliance with all of the other conditions 
imposed as well.

     Our lobbyist pointed out to me later that there is probably a legal 
problem with the selective prohibition of animal research.  I did tell the 
council that unless they have already prohibited animal research throughout 
the City, there is an issue of fairness involved.

     Once we have obtained the wording of the condition, we will study it 
with our attorneys and review our options.

     In any case, I still believe that Alcor should move to a friendlier 
environment as soon as possible.

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1325